During a special operation in Odesa, the SSU detained an agent of russian special services: former head of criminal intelligence of the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (known as UBOZ, disbanded in 2015) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

The enemy informant was collecting intelligence, in particular on the SSU’s leadership.

The agent was also interested in classified information, including personal data of MIA officials and veterans, results of high-profile investigations.

He passed the collected data to his ‘liaison’ in moscow, a serving officer of the russian Ministry of Interior, Sergei YERYOMIN, who is coordinated by the FSB.

The occupiers use such intelligence to identify ‘potential targets’ among Ukrainian security forces, carry out sabotage and special information operations to discredit them and attempt to recruit them.

According to the investigation, the enemy accomplice moved to Odesa after leaving the MIA in 2014. He came to the attention of russian special services because of his pro-kremlin views, which he expressed among his former law enforcement colleagues.

In June 2022, the traitor was recruited by the aggressor state.

Since then, following his moscow handlers’ instructions, the agent had been gathering information on Ukraine’s security and defence forces as well as on the socio-political situation in the south of Ukraine. To transmit data to russians, he used a previously agreed secure electronic communication channel.

The traitor tried to involve several former employees of Odesa MIA units in subversive activities.

During the searches of the suspect’s home, the SSU found the communication devices he used to communicate with representatives of the aggressor state.

SSU investigators have notified the detainee of suspicion of treason under martial law. The court has decided to keep him in custody.

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime and bring other persons involved to justice.

The SSU Office in Odesa Oblast carried out the operation under the coordination of the SSU Counterintelligence Department and the procedural supervision of Odesa Region Prosecutor’s Office.